Featured Candidate: Larry Barnett

“I’m a mental health professional who is dedicated to public service and committed to fighting for the issues crucial to Virginia’s 27th House District.”

Larry has a commitment to Chesterfield County that runs deep and has served our residents for three decades. As a leader with Chesterfield County Mental Health Support Services, he developed and implemented innovative, caring, and effective programs for those affected by mental illness. He developed a reputation as a skilled collaborator and problem-solver who got things done. He was a key player in various projects that improved access to mental health and substance abuse services. These projects involved partnerships with schools, hospitals, advocacy groups, and law enforcement and other first responders.

With a proven record of improving the lives of some of our most vulnerable residents, Larry decided to continue his public service to Chesterfield by running for the Virginia House of Delegates in the 27th District. In 2017, he ran a spirited, grassroots campaign and finished surprisingly close as a first-time candidate, shocking many by coming within 128 votes of winning.

Larry’s hard work and intelligence, coupled with his open, collaborative, and caring spirit, showed voters that he was someone who would effectively represent them in the General Assembly. In 2019, he is bringing his talent and enthusiasm to bear as he runs again to represent the citizens of Chesterfield County.

Larry’s Coast Guard family provided him with a strong example of service. His family, like many in the military, moved around the US before planting roots in Virginia. He received his undergraduate degree from Virginia Commonwealth University before earning a master’s degree in Rehabilitative Counseling from VCU. He is a licensed professional counselor.

Larry and his wife Pat live in Midlothian. Their daughter Eileen attended Chesterfield public schools and now lives in Charlottesville.

Mental healthcare is healthcare.

“Mental illness is often a hidden disease in our community. I worked as a licensed mental health professional in Chesterfield County for more than 30 years. As Director of Emergency Services for the Chesterfield County Mental Health Department, I’ve seen firsthand our mental health crisis here in Virginia.”

Larry’s Platform

Healthcare

I support expanding affordable access to essential healthcare for all Virginians. One in four people is directly affected by mental illness and addiction, issues that touch many of our lives. I have devoted my life to public service in the mental health field and will advocate for community-based mental health and substance abuse services throughout the Commonwealth. My professional background affords me the expertise to effectively address problems such as the opioid epidemic, mental health crises, and treating addiction within our criminal justice system.

Education

I am a steadfast supporter of public schools and believe investing in our children is the best way to prepare for a better future. This starts with universal early childhood education. Most families want excellent public schools and hope their children have an equal opportunity to obtain a first-rate education. To recruit and retain top-notch teachers who can provide this education, we need to pay them well – at least at the national average. To maintain high quality schools, we need to lower student/teacher ratios and empower teachers to have greater classroom autonomy, while reducing the focus on standardized testing. A strong, vibrant public education system attracts families to Chesterfield, ensuring the future viability of our community, and helps to power our local economy with well-educated young people. My firm support for public education has earned me an endorsement from the Virginia Education Association.

Environment/Energy

I have been endorsed by the Sierra Club for my position on safeguarding our clean air and water and protecting the environment for future generations. I will work tirelessly to protect and preserve Virginia’s valuable natural resources. I fully support the development of innovative, sustainable, and renewable energy and technology sources, such as solar and wind, that will enable Virginia to move toward a better future. I have pledged to not accept funds from Dominion or Appalachian Power to avoid the appearance of undue influence and focus on serving the people I represent.

Gun Violence Prevention

As a healthcare professional, I see gun violence as an epidemic and one of our top public health crises. I support common sense efforts to effectively reduce gun violence. This includes universal background checks whenever firearms are purchased and emergency protective orders that enable family members to temporarily remove firearms from loved ones during a crisis. I have been endorsed by Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America.

Gerrymandering

Currently, elected representatives can choose their voters rather than voters choosing their representatives. I am a supporter of OneVirginia2021, a group that is working to create fair political boundaries in Virginia. I support an independent commission as the best alternative for providing voters with districts that are compact, contiguous, and fairly drawn.

Public Safety

I believe people want to live in a safe community with well-trained police officers who respond with compassion and respect when there is an emergency. As the Chesterfield County Crisis Intervention Training Coordinator for many years, I helped plan, develop, and implement a cross-departmental initiative that equipped police officers, sheriffs, fire-fighters, 911 dispatch officers, and other emergency personnel with the skills to safely de-escalate and defuse situations when people are in crisis. My work has made me an even stronger proponent of our local law enforcement.

Equality

Throughout my career, I have worked with individuals from all walks of life, while listening to the issues that are important to our community. These experiences have strengthened my belief in equal treatment for all people, regardless of age, gender, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, income level, or religious belief. Everyone in Virginia should have the opportunity to live, work, and fully participate in society without the fear of discrimination. I am a staunch supporter of the ERA and want to see the gender wage gap closed. My pledge to fight for equality for everyone has earned me the endorsements of the Virginia Chapter of the National Organization of Women and the LGBT Democrats of Virginia.

Economic Development

I believe in the dignity of work and building an economy where all people have an equal opportunity to succeed. Virginia has low unemployment and is one of the best states in which to do business in the nation. Let’s keep it that way by making sure we have affordable housing, good job opportunities, and a healthy workforce. Local businesses are vital and contribute a great deal to our community. A well-trained and educated workforce will ensure that established businesses and new, innovative ventures will continue to expand and thrive, sustaining our local economy.

Campaign Finance

I believe campaign finance regulations in Virginia need to be significantly improved. Our democratic process will be better served if candidates and representatives are prohibited from accepting campaign funds from corporate PACs. In addition, we can protect against undue influence on campaigns by capping individual donations at $10,000. Most importantly, I believe candidates and representatives should never be allowed to use campaign funds for personal use.